My name is Mrs. D. and I am an author of children's books. Currently, I’m juggling many projects including several new books. I love to write. I love this beautiful language. I write because I have something to share. I write because maybe someday, someone in this world may need my experience. I write for one simple reason. I love how it makes me feel: free.

Who Will Feed Stacey First? Story 1:Coming 2018!

The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet-A New Children's Book Coming in spring 2018!!

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Thursday, February 9, 2017

These Valentine's books are good read-alouds, provide positive reinforcement for sharing and being kind to one another and have engaging illustrations that complement the text. They include picture books, pop-up books, a book for a beginning reader and a chapter book. Here's a quick look at each of them.

1. Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, by Eileen Spinelli, is a modest picture book with a terrific message about loving kindness and caring for others. Even very young children will relate to Mr. Hatch and how thrilled he is to receive a mysterious Valentine's Day treat (Who sent it?) and how it changes his behavior, making him much more outgoing and friendly. They will also feel sad with him when he finds out the gift was not really meant for him. Best of all, they will rejoice at the ending. I recommend the book for ages 4-8. Read myreview of Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch.

The Very Fairy Princess Follows Her Heart. Little, Brown and Company

2. The Very Fairy Princess Follows Her Heart

The Very Fairy Princess Follows Her Heart is one of a series of picture books by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, with illustrations by Christine Davenier. The main character, Gerry, is a little girl who likes to dress up like a fairy princess. This story is about Valentine's Day. After all of the fun of making very fancy Valentine's Day cards for her classmates, Gerry leaves them at home. What happens when Gerry finds out and how she still provides Valentines for each of her classmates makes for a very positive and satisfying story. I recommend this picture book for ages 4 to 8. To learn more, read my review of The Very Fairy Princess Follows Her Heart.

Here Comes Valentine Cat. Penguin Young Readers Group

3. Here Comes Valentine Cat

Here Comes Valentine Cat features the same lovable, but grouchy and sometime devious, cat first featured in author Deborah Underwood's Here Comes Easter Cat. The text is composed of questions and comments by the unseen narrator to which the cat replies with handmade signs featuring words or pictures. The artwork by Claudia Rueda, created with ink and colored pencil on white paper, keeps the focus on the cat and his signs.

In Here Comes Valentine Cat, we have a cat who doesn't like Valentine's Day and is increasingly irritated by his new neighbor next door, a dog who throws bones and a ball over the fence hitting the cat. The cat is about ready to send a mean Valentine's Day card to the dog.

However, the narrator and a nice Valentine's Day card from the dog help the cat to realize the dog is lonely and wants to be friends. (Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, 2016. ISBN: 9780525429159)

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see ourEthics Policy.

Candlewick Press

4. Guess How Much I Love You

Why did I include a second pop-up edition of Guess How Much I Love You? I love the story (see #5 below) and think this gift edition would be a great gift for an older brother to give to a younger brother, as well as a good gift from a parent to a child or from a grateful child, teen or adult to a father, grandfather or other caring adult.

While the box that contains the book is only about 4" x 4½," the book is not what you might expect. Rather than a small version of a traditional pop-up book, this pop-up folds out to create a two-sided panorama that is about 30" inches long and, as you can see from this inside view of Guess How Much I Love You? would look great displayed on a bookshelf. When set up on display, it measures about 42" wide, quite a surprise considering the tiny box that holds it. (Candlewick Press, 1994, this format: 2014. ISBN: 9780763674465)

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see ourEthics Policy.

HarperCollins

5. Snowy Valentine

Snowy Valentine is a sweet story and a good picture book for ages 3-6. Jasper Bunny loves his wife Lilly so much that he wants to get her a very special Valentine's Day gift. The problem is that he doesn't know what to get her. In search of ideas, he leaves their home and, despite the snow and cold, walks down to the neighboring valley to get ideas from some of their animal neighbors. After a discouraging afternoon, Jasper is startled to learn that he has, without even knowing it, created the perfect gift for Lilly. Snowy Valentine is the first picture book by author and illustrator David Petersen. Read my review of Snowy Valentine.

Candlewick Press

6. Guess How Much I Love You: The Pop-Up Edition

The pop-up edition of Guess How Much I Love You, the popular picture book by Sam McBratney, with its captivating illustrations by Anita Jeram, is perfect for Valentine's Day. This story of the love between parent and child has become a classic since it was first published more than a decade ago and the pop-up edition is a delight. It would make a good Valentine's Day gift for both children and adults. Candlewick Press published the pop-up edition in 2011. The ISBN is 9780763653781. Read my review of Guess How Much I Love You: The Pop-Up Edition.

HarperCollins

7. Love, Splat

Splat, the lovable fluffy black cat with the skinny legs, is back. Splat was first introduced in Rob Scotten's picture book Splat the Cat. InLove, Splat, Splat has a crush on a Kitten, a pretty fluffy white kitten who is in his class. He makes her a Valentine despite the fact that every time she saw him, Kitten "pulled his ears and poked his belly, tied his tail and called him smelly." Shyness, insecurity, and a rival confront Splat, but he conquers them all and finds out, to his delight, the real reason Kitten keeps bothering him. Throughout his adventures, Splat is accompanied by his mouse friend Seymour. This is a funny, yet sweet, Valentine's Day story, one I recommend for 3- to 8-year-olds. (HarperCollins, 2008. ISBN: 9780060831578)

Random House

8. You're Lovable to Me

With a rhythmic text and whimsical illustrations,You're Lovable to Me celebrates the love between parent and child that transcends behavior and time and enables a mother rabbit to tell each of her six bunnies that, no matter what, "You're lovable to me." Later, she hears the same words from her own father who stresses that even though she is an adult, "When a papa loves a bunny, that's the way it will always be."

9. Too Many Valentines

This Level 1, Ready-To-Read book is part of the Robin Hill School series. It was written by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by Mike Gordon. The story centers on class preparations for Valentine's Day and one little boy, Neil, who says, "I get too many Valentines. I do not want any more." How the class honors his feelings and still includes him in the celebration makes an entertaining story. (Simon & Schuster, Aladdin Paperbacks, 2003. ISBN: 9780689855375)

10. Nate the Great and the Mushy Valentine

This children's Valentine's Day book is from the Nate the Great detective series for beginning readers by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. Nate the Great starts out with one case, finding out who gave his dog a Valentine, and then, his friend Annie asks him to help her find a missing Valentine. This entertaining story, with lots of illustrations by Marc Simont, is both a good read-aloud for 4-8 year olds and a good book for beginning readers, grades 2-3. (Yearling, 1995. ISBN: 9780440410133)

11. Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink

This amusing picture book was written and illustrated by Diane de Groat. While I am not always a big fan of books in which children are portrayed by a group of animals, I am willing to make an exception for a story like this one that deals with kindness and teasing. Teasing and hurt feelings are common among elementary school children. The author does a nice job of showing the consequences of both unkindness and kindness when exchanging Valentine's Day cards. (HarperCollins, 1996. ISBN: 9780688152208)

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Who Let the Cookies Out? (Grandma's Cookies Stories)

Not your normal cookies!Who doesn‛t like cookies, especially cookies that willtake you on a tasty but nutty adventure?This delicious story begins in Grandma‛s kitchen when she decides to surprise her grandson‛s pre-K with holiday cookies. But little did she know what a mess her nutty cookies would create at her grandson‛s school. They just can‛t resist being nuts!This scrumptious tale proves the old saying that we‛re all made from the same “dough,” but a few “nuts” can spoil the batch.Brace yourself for a yummy book that will keep your giggles coming with every page you turn!

Baby from the Moon

A perfect book for bedtime snuggles! "Baby from the Moon" is a tale about a single wish - to find a mommy, whom Baby G saw many times in his dreams while living in the sky before his birth. It is a sweet story of the baby boy and his birth that celebrates life, joy, and encouragement, while satisfying the curiosity of young children how they came into this world. A touching journey of the tiny boy, who wants nothing more then to meet his mommy, this is a gentle introduction and inspiration for every child with dreams. A beautiful story and amazing artwork will keep children's imaginations flying from page to page filled with loving twists and turns. Children might discover something surprising about their birth and themselves. A fantastic gift for a new mommy and baby!

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FROM MRS.D.

Parents who want to make the most of storytelling activities with their children should focus on finding books and stories that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Mrs.D.’s colorful and heartwarming children’s books will not only capture a child’s imagination but will also teach children the true meaning of friendship, family, love, and self-acceptance. They will give parents, grandparents, babysitters, and those who love to read an interesting way to spend time together. Mrs.D.Books blog is about the world of children’s books, self-publishing experiences, recommendations and helpful sites for authors, useful posts from a variety of sources about marketing tools, e-books, children’s apps, book trailers, book buzz, how to sell more books, interesting articles about children’s literature, lists of children’s books, news about children’s authors, art, photography, new discoveries, and more. Brace yourself for an unusual journey...Guest bloggers are welcome!

A Taste of Bread -PUBLISHED!

THAT IS HOW THINGS ARE - PUBLISHED!

(Two connected stories) “The Autumn Wind”—A moving story about the powerful wind and the peaceful garden, and how things change quickly when the callous autumn wind unleashes his power. “The Kitten and the Sparrow”—A heartwarming story about friendship between a kitten and a sparrow, and how the little kitten learns about the power of nature.

The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet - PUBLISHED!

Who made a mess in the closet? This enchanting story contains an amusing dialogue between the strange occupants of a closet and a curious kitten. Much to its surprise, the nosy kitten finds itself in the middle of a huge disagreement between the black broom and the other occupants of the closet. The blue sponge is sensitive, the purple duster is upset, the red vacuum cleaner is furious, and the black broom cannot rest until she discovers who made the mess. Sneak into a dark closet with a kitten and see who causes mayhem! Was it the silver bucket, the green dustpan, the lost slipper, the sleepy mop, or the old cat that made the mess? Read and reread this story until you find out! This entertaining story may start with a mess, but it ends with children laughing!

PUBLISHED!

These fun rhyming stories introduce young readers to delightful food characters with goofy personalities, real feelings, passions and fears, who always disagree with each other about who will feed a hungry little girl first.

PUBLISHED!

What's Going On Inside the Fridge? Story 2

PUBLISHED!

Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? Story 3

THE TREES HAVE HEARTS - MULTI AWARD WINNER!

Poignant and imaginative, this story will easily find a spot in the reader’s heart. The rich storytelling and unforgettable characters add flavor to an already delightful story line. This book opens a surprising imaginary world as seen through the eyes of a child…

GOOD MORNING, WORLD!-Honored for Excellence by the Mom's Choice and Readers' Favorite Awards

Glide gently into the beautiful morning with Baby Thomas and his grandpa. The sun is shining brightly through the wide window and the flowers, trees, birds, and other creatures have already started their day. Brilliant colors of the dawning day wake up the park, and Baby Thomas is ready for a walk. While walking in the park with his grandpa, they see the same things but from a different perspective. Baby Thomas wants to hug the wonderful world around him, but his grandpa has a different opinion. In this book, young readers will easily connect to the wonders of nature and unforgettable characters, playfully interacting with each other. Join happy Baby Thomas and his grandpa for a walk and have a delightful, uplifting morning!

READERS' FAVORITE and MOM'S CHOICE AWARD WINNER!

A Christmas story about sharing and giving. The old cat likes her settled life and is not happy about the new arrivals. She’s also very protective of her belongings. The city kittens annoy her, and the old cat grumbles about the new additions to the family—until she hears a story one night that makes her feel bad. The kittens aren’t the soft or spoiled brats she had thought they were …

An enlightening story about a little girl named Nika who didn’t want to take care of her clothes and toys. One hazy morning when Nika opened her closet, she discovered that it was empty. Her clothes had disappeared! What had happened to her shirts and pants? Where did her favorite dresses, coats, and socks go? Why did they leave her with just her pajamas on this misty morning? Will they come back? Taking a closer look at her room, Nika starts thinking about her attitude toward her clothes and toys. “How easy it is to lose something you love so much.” She learns an important lesson at the end of this story. Watch your children have a blast reading this story while learning valuable lessons.

The Royal Palm-Mom's Choice Awards and Readers' Favorite Winner

A thought-provoking tale of the journey of a royal palm born on a tiny island surrounded by mysterious waters. This tender story explores the world of someone wrapped up in herself. Protected by her cousins, the short plain palms, the royal palm grew up beautiful, but very self-centered. Dreaming about life outside the island, she did not bother with her friends, who lived as one big family. Immersed in her own beauty, she only cared for herself, until one day a hurricane struck the tiny island. Then the Royal Palm discovered the true meaning of family and real friendship. Inspiring story with valuable lessons to be learned and shared.

The Little Girl Praying on the Hill - Readers' Favorite International Gold Winner

"The Little Girl Praying on the Hill" is a bittersweet story based on the emotional childhood memories of a young girl determined to understand the purpose for her existence. Growing up in a poor village of the post-World War II era in a country where half the men drink themselves to death by the age of forty, the confused child questions God. The beauty of nature around her animates her and paints the perfect combination of colors, but life in her rundown village, sinking in mud after each rainfall, is a strong contrast. She exists between two worlds: her beautiful imagination and the harsh realities of life. The picture of majestic nature does not fit with the picture that God created for the people he loves. Why did he divide this world so unevenly? Why did he drop her in the wrong place? Her emotions rise to unreachable heights and sink to devastating lows. The gripping beauty of his creation mesmerizes her young mind, but only for a moment before her memories of specific events make her doubt God's intentions.

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CARLO THE MOUSE ON VACATION_NEW SERIES

Heading your way!A funny stories, full of the adventures and troubles of Carlo the mouse, who lives a simple life in a Florida hospital but always dreams of greater things. In these vibrant books, a daring mouse takes center stage in an adventure even bigger than his appetite...

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CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 1_PUBLISHED!

TOO MANY RULES FOR ONE LITTLE MOUSE! Grab your boots and hold on to your hat, because you are in for an exciting trip! The new series of Carlo the Mouse has been born. Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse is the first in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. Each book will give readers an entertaining look into the life of a little mouse born inside a hospital’s walls. Clever, curious, and very impatient, Carlo the mouse dreams of the world outside the hospital. His parents teach him how to follow the rules and how to survive on his own, but Carlo’s insatiable desire for adventure constantly gets him in trouble. Will the little adventurer manage to survive when he leaves home? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Let your imagination soar in this full series of Carlo’s adventures!

PUBLISHED!CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 2

NOW WE'RE TALKING! Listen to the news and keep your eyes open, because a curious little mouse has had his wish come true! Now We’re Talking! is the second in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. This nosy little mouse leaves home for the first time to explore life inside the hospital. But Hospitalia is a strange place, and there’s no place for him to hide. Cold, sterile, and unfriendly, the hospital looks nothing like Carlo had imagined while sitting at home. Before he knows what’s up, the kitchen staff are on his tail. Will the hungry mouse manage to trick the hospital manager, cook, and exterminator without breaking the rules his parents taught him? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next book on Carlo the Mouse, What’s Going On? If this clever mouse outwits you, don’t get discouraged. Keep reading and follow Carlo’s adventures!

CARLO THE MOUSE, BOOK 3_PUBLISHED!

WHAT'S GOING ON? Trouble! Where did that ravenous little mouse come from who’s disturbing the peace in the hospital? What’s Going On? is the third in a series of books on the adventures of Carlo the mouse. Carlo knew he was not supposed to go near the manager’s office, but when the kitchen staff were chasing him, he made a choice that started a war. This is only Carlo’s first time out, and already everyone is after him. Imagine what could happen when he learns his way around the hospital! He likes to eat, and is growing like a mushroom after the rain. Will this be the end of our curious little mouse, or will Carlo manage to outsmart the clever manager, angry cook, and sneaky exterminator so he can go home safely? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Remember, Hospitalia is a strange place …

CARLO THE MOUSE, BOOK 4_PUBLISHED

RULES ARE FOR A REASON - More trouble for the Most Wanted Mouse! The hospital cook, manager, and exterminator have proclaimed war against the mice of the world! Rules Are for a Reason is the fourth in a series of books on Carlo the mouse. Always hungry, the curious little mouse snoops underneath each door, driving the hospital staff crazy. He’s constantly breaking the rules his parents taught him. One morning, Carlo wakes up sick. Horrified, he leaps from his bed and looks in the mirror—and finds he looks like a meatball! Fly disease? Mousesclerosis? Chickenpoxsclerosis? Sounds long! What sickness did the carefree mouse catch while exploring the hospital? Will Carlo turn into a chicken … or a frog … or maybe a prince? You’ll find out in the next book on Carlo’s adventures: Nothing Is Safe in a Mouse’s Life. If you want to know if Carlo will learn to follow the rules Papa Mouse and Mama Mouse taught him, you must read every day and follow your parents’ rules. More exciting adventures of Carlo the Mouse await you!

CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 5-PUBLISHED!

NOTHING IS SAFE IN A MOUSE'S LIFE - A whisker-licking story of one kind little mouse! Who would ever suspect that Carlo would meet Fidel the cat inside the hospital? Who would ever believe that the tricky young mouse would outsmart the old cat? Who would ever imagine that for the first time in his life, the daring mouse would venture away from his home and find himself outside the hospital? Homeless, cold, and hungry, Carlo and his family face attacks from vicious birds. Throughout his dangerous journey, Carlo finds adventure aplenty. He learns about life outside the hospital and the dangers that mice face on a daily basis. Determined to return home safely, Carlo has grown up and finally understands why he must obey the rules his parents taught him. Follow the unexpected adventures of this bold little mouse!

CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 6_PUBLISHED!

IT'S MY LIFE! Once a mouse falls in love, almost anything can happen! His heart skips a beat! He can’t eat, drink, or sleep! He is tossing in bed, losing rest and extra fat! He bleaches his brown hair and becomes a blond mouse! What is going on with Carlo? Papa Mouse is distressed. Is he getting a heart attack? Carlo looks like a bleached punk! Mama Mouse is in shock. Their little mouse has grown up, and he is in love with a cute mouse. He is getting married, dear friends! The young mouse gets his wish. He soon has a pretty wife and a bunch of kids, but he still dreams of seeing the world. Life is short, and a day can hold many adventures. Sliding off a roof, Carlo falls inside an open car trunk … Kick off your boots, hold your hats, and enjoy these books, my little friends! More books on Carlo the mouse are coming in the near future.